Anambra State has emerged as the best-performing state in Nigeria’s 2025 BudgIT fiscal ranking, moving up from second position last year. The ranking, contained in BudgIT’s latest “State of States” report released on Tuesday, measures how effectively states manage their revenues, control debt, and fund development.
The civic tech group, which has tracked subnational performance for a decade, titled this year’s report “A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Analysis: Growth, Decline and Middling Performance.” It offers a snapshot of the financial health of Nigeria’s 36 states, using parameters such as internally generated revenue (IGR), capital expenditure, and debt sustainability.
States Shuffling for the Top Spots
According to BudgIT, Anambra’s rise to the top was driven by its improved IGR performance and prudent expenditure controls. Lagos maintained second place for the second consecutive year, while Kwara climbed from fourth to third. Abia and Edo, which had previously been mid-table performers, broke into the top five for the first time.
“Edo entered the top five after consistently ranking within the top ten over the last four editions, and Abia, which had never previously featured in the top ten, now ranks fourth,” BudgIT said.
Rivers State, which had been a consistent top-five performer in the past, was notably absent due to data unavailability following the declaration of a state of emergency earlier this year. In its place, new entrants have reshaped the rankings, signalling shifts in fiscal discipline across regions.
Akwa Ibom made one of the most dramatic jumps, leaping 17 places from 27th to 10th, while Zamfara also climbed nine places from 26th to 17th. At the bottom of the list were Imo, Kogi, Jigawa, Benue, and Yobe States. Cross River, which had ranked fifth in 2024, suffered a major setback, tumbling to 30th position in 2025.
What It Means for Ordinary Nigerians
While fiscal rankings may seem like mere numbers, they have real implications for citizens. States that manage their finances well are better positioned to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare—areas that directly affect the cost of living and access to basic services.
Anambra’s strong showing suggests a tighter grip on spending and a drive to boost internal revenue without overtaxing citizens.
For residents, this could translate into more reliable public services and improved living standards. Conversely, states lagging behind may struggle to pay salaries or fund projects, pushing more financial pressure onto households already coping with rising prices.
Economic analysts say the ranking also highlights the ongoing dependency of many states on federal allocations.
